There is an inadequate electricity supply. The overall electrification rate is approximately 27%. It is estimated that 40% of urban areas and 4% of rural areas are electrified.One 400 kV transmission line crosses through Swaziland, and connects to the network at the recently-completed Edwaleni II substation. Country-scale transmission occurs via a 132 kV grid, with 66 kV lines.

Renewable energy potential

Solar EnergySwaziland's solar regime is not well documented and it is necessary to collect sufficient and reliable data in order to map out the resource. However, indications from SADC maps, satellite images, and hourly sunshine data indicate that the annual averages could lie between 4 to 6 kWh/m2/day. A program to install solar water heaters in public institutions as an energy efficiency measure is also underway.HydropowerIt is estimated that Swaziland has a gross theoretical hydropower potential of approximately 3800 GWh/year, with a potential installed capacity of 200 MW. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy established a database on the potential of developing mini-micro hydropower electricity schemes. The target was to pin point sites around the country where appropriate river basins exist, which could be used to generate electricity and help quantify the cost of establishing new electricity schemes. A report was produced from the study and 35 sites were identified. The capacity of the schemes identified ranged between 0.032MW to 1.525MW.Biomass EnergyTotal forestry cover in the country is estimated at 625,400 hectares, with 463,000 hectares of this being indigenous forest. The harvesting of indigenous wood fuels is not managed. Biofuels are also being considered for the country, with a proposed 10% mix of anhydrous ethanol in transport fuel. The Royal Swaziland Sugar Corporation is to produce the ethanol. A public awareness campaign on the benefits of biofuels is also included in the considerations. In 2007, approximately 1.8 million tonnes of bagasse were produced from the country’s sugar industry, 80% of which was used for industrial process, heating and the remainder for electricity generation.Wind EnergyWind speed measurements are continuing in the country, with preliminary results indicating a mean average wind speed of 4 m/s across the country, suggesting a moderate potential for wind energy use. Wind pumps have previously been used and are deemed to hold the greatest potential. Micro wind turbines of less than 100 kW also hold potential. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy is working in close collaboration with the National Meteorological Service, to determine whether there is any realistic potential for effective utilisation of solar and wind energy in the country, including long-term measurements on the Lubombo Plateau and a movable monitoring station for other areas of the country.Geothermal EnergyNo study has yet been conducted into the geothermal potential of Swaziland, although hot springs are known to exist in the country.

Energy framework

The legal energy policy and planning framework in Swaziland is controlled solely by the government via the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy. They support the position that investment in energy and industrial development in a sustainable manner can eradicate poverty in the country. The Ministry also takes the lead role in oil sector management.The Government has stated clearly that rural electrification will continue to be a priority and efforts in that regard shall be led by the State. Energy is widely seen as a driver to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The main energy policy document is the National Energy Policy 2002, which is still in effect. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy is responsible for overall project planning under the policy, and co-ordinates with the National Development Strategy Unit to ensure the fullest benefit from its programs.The Electricity Act of 1963 was replaced in 2007 by both the new Electricity Act and the Swaziland Electricity Company Act. This created a regulatory authority for the electricity sector and the structural reformation of the national utility. The Electricity Act created the framework for independent power providers to enter the electricity sector, with licensing provided by the new regulatory authority; however uptake has been limited.

This Technology Transfer Advances Swaziland's

Nationally Determined Contribution to strengthen the country's technology capacity building and skills training and to "participate in research, pilot projects and planning and implementation actions".

The project converts the entire production of domestic and commercial refrigeration appliances of the manufacturer Palfridge in Swaziland to hydrocarbon refrigerants (domestic fridges, commercial refrigerators for supermarkets and bottle coolers, solar refrigerators including a solar powered vaccine cooler).

The small kingdom of southern Africa is among the poorest countries in the world. Most of its inhabitants live on livestock and agriculture. Although not responsible for climate change, its effects - increasing temperatures and droughts - put the population in serious trouble. In these circumstances, having refrigerators for food or medicine has a special meaning. One of the few factories in the country has started to produce eco-friendly refrigerators. The appliances work not only without climate-damaging refrigerants, but also consume less energy, with solar powered models.

Swaziland, a small kingdom in southern Africa, is one of the poorest regions in the world. Most residents depend on farming and cattle grazing for their livelihood. Only a few own cars. They aren't responsible for climate change but Swaziland has been hard hit by the consequences – rising temperatures and drought. Appliances that keep food and medicines cool are hugely important. One of the few factories in the country now produces refrigerators and freezers in an environmentally-friendly way. And the appliances are powered by solar energy.

The Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organisation commonly referred to as CANGO was established in 1983 primarily as a network for NGOs working in Primary Health Care in Swaziland, then in 1987 assumed the overall Coordinating body for the Non-Governmental Organisations in the country.. The core mandate is to facilitate coordination of the NGO sector, building capacity of its members to fulfil their organizational-specific mandates, and to influence national and international policies through advocacy.

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Karina Larsen

The CTCN is the operational arm of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Technology Mechanism and is hosted by the UN Environment in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and 11 independent, regional organizations with expertise in climate technologies.